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This day dress was worn by “Florence Johnston” portrayed by actress Marla Gibbs in the television series “The Jeffersons”. The original 1970’s day dress is constructed of a brown and beige cotton gingham material and includes the matching self-belt.

Ms. Gibbs can be seen wearing this dress in various episodes throughout the series including episodes 60, 65, 71, 79, 89, 93, 102, 111, and 113. The dress is initially seen in “George the Philanthropist” (Season 3 Episode 23), when Florence speaks with Louise and George in their kitchen. She wears this outfit often while working within the Jefferson’s apartment, serving breakfast, dusting, welcoming guests and occasionally it can be seen beneath an overcoat when she comes and goes outdoors. This dress was one of Florence’s signature costumes worn through out the series making this dress an important pieces of television history.

The Jeffersons was an American sitcom broadcasted by CBS from 1975 through 1985 and was produced by the legendary Norman Lear and Embassy TV (formerly TAT/Tandem) who are also known for “One Day At A Time”, “Maude”, “All in the Family”, “Sanford and Son”, and “Good Times”. Originally a spin-off from the sitcom “All in the Family”, The Jefferson’s “moved on up” to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and began living as an affluent black family. The series ran for 11 seasons with a total 253 episodes, making The Jefferson’s one of the longest running sitcoms in US history. The show is also noted for its controversial topics including racism, suicide, and gun control, which was taboo for syndicated television in the 1970’s. The show was nominated for 13 Emmy awards, and actress Isabel Sanford who played Louise, won Best Actress in 1981. This item is in good screen worn condition and was acquired directly from the show’s costume designer and head of the Embassy TV wardrobe department.

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